Derby County midfielder Tom Huddlestone (44) heads ball during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City and Derby County at the KCOM Stadium, Kingston upon Hull, England on 26 December 2017. Photo by Ian Lyall.

Middlesbrough eyeing move for Derby County midfielder

Derby County midfielder Tom Huddlestone (44) heads ball during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City and Derby County at the KCOM Stadium, Kingston upon Hull, England on 26 December 2017. Photo by Ian Lyall.

Derby County midfielder Tom Huddlestone is attracting attention from fellow-Championship side Middlesbrough, according to The Sun.

Middlesbrough are keen to bolster their midfield options and have been linked with the likes of Muhamed Besic, Harry Arter and Birkir Bjarnason over the course of the transfer window. Now Derby’s Tom Huddlestone appears to be on their radar and the Teessiders could make a move before Thursday’s deadline.

However, Boro face competition from Premier League new boys Cardiff City, with Neil Warnock keen to bring the former-Tottenham man to South Wales. With Cardiff offering Huddlestone another chance at Premier League football it could be difficult for Middlesbrough to stake their claim over the Bluebirds.

Cardiff are reportedly looking to add Premier League experience to their ranks, and Huddlestone boasts an impressive top flight appearances tally for with nearly 250 appearances under his belt.

According to the same report though, Derby manager Frank Lampard is keen to keep hold of Huddlestone, with his side light in midfield. Lampard wants him to remain at the club and sees him as a vital part of the current County side aiming for promotion.

The 31-year old missed Derby’s curtain raiser away at Reading on Friday night due to a groin injury, but will be hoping to be fit and ready for next weekend.

Where Huddlestone plays his next fixture remains to be seen, with Derby hosting Leeds United at Pride Park and Middlesbrough playing Birmingham this Saturday, the midfielder could turn out for either side. Cardiff City get their Premier League campaign up and running when they visit Bournemouth.